“IMPORTANT DAYS”

Buddha Purnima 2024

Buddha Purnima 2024, also known as Buddha Jayanti or Vesak, is celebrated on Thursday, 23 May 2024. This significant Buddhist festival commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha. Observed with reverence across South, Southeast, and East Asia, the day is marked by prayer meetings, religious discussions, and cultural events, highlighting the profound teachings and enduring legacy of the Buddha.

22 May – International Day for Biodiversity

International Day for Biodiversity is celebrated every year on May 22.

Theme 2024 – Be Part of the Plan

The International Day for Biological Diversity was established by the Second Committee of the UN General Assembly in 1993.

“DEFENCE”

CDS Gen Anil Chauhan Attends Exercise Cyber Suraksha – 2024

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen Anil Chauhan attended the ‘Exercise Cyber Suraksha – 2024’ on May 22, 2024, emphasizing the critical importance of enhancing India’s cyber defence capabilities. Conducted by the Defence Cyber Agency from May 20 to May 24, 2024, this comprehensive cyber defence exercise aims to bolster collaboration and integration among military and national agencies, advancing the nation’s cyber defence readiness.

“APPOINTMENTS”

Rushabh Gandhi Appointed as MD and CEO of IndiaFirst Life Insurance

The board of IndiaFirst Life Insurance has approved the promotion of Rushabh Gandhi, the current Deputy Chief Executive Officer, to the position of Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD and CEO). Gandhi’s appointment marks a significant milestone for the company, aligning with its succession strategy.

Ramesh Babu V. Sworn in as Member of Central Electricity Regulatory Commission

Shri Ramesh Babu V. has taken the oath of office and secrecy as a Member of the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) on May 21, 2024. The oath was administered by the Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shri R. K. Singh.

To Lam elected as the New President of Vietnam

To Lam, Vietnam’s former minister of public security, has been confirmed as the nation’s new president by the National Assembly. His rise comes amid an ongoing anti-corruption campaign that has shaken the country’s political establishment and business elites, resulting in multiple high-level government changes.

“NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS”

EU Approves World’s First Major AI Law

The European Union has given the final green light to the AI Act, marking a historic step in regulating artificial intelligence. This groundbreaking legislation establishes comprehensive rules to ensure trust, transparency, and accountability in AI technologies while fostering innovation within Europe.

Spain Becomes 99th Member of International Solar Alliance

Spain has officially become the 99th member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA). The Instrument of Ratification was handed over by Spain’s Ambassador to India, José María Ridao Domínguez, to Abhishek Singh, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), during a meeting in New Delhi. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed the development in a post on X.

Pakistan’s Sirbaz Khan conquers Mount Everest without Oxygen

A notable mountaineer, Sirbaz Khan scaled Mount Everest without supplementary oxygen, making him only the 2nd Pakistani to achieve this feat.

Khan aims to be the 1st Pakistani to climb all 14 peaks above 8,000 meters, having already climbed 13, two with oxygen support. Khan had previously scaled the 8849-metre peak using bottled oxygen. The only other person in Pakistan to achieve this feat is mountaineer Sajid Sidpara. He began his mountaineering career in 2016 and has since become a pioneering figure in Pakistani high-altitude climbing.